NMSU earns national recognition in U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings

New Mexico State University has been recognized among the nation’s top institutions in the newly released 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings, with several programs earning national distinction across a wide range of disciplines.  
 
Among the university’s highest-ranked programs, NMSU earned placements in nursing-anesthesia (78 tied), social work (95 tied) and speech-language pathology (104 tied). Other programs receiving national recognition include fine arts (106 tied), physics (113 tied), English (120 tied), earth sciences (123 tied), mathematics (125 tied) and economics (126 tied).  
 
Additional graduate programs recognized in the rankings include public health (136 tied), public affairs (140 tied), engineering (142 tied), chemistry (150 tied), computer science (151 tied), biological sciences (153 tied), psychology (180 tied), education (212 tied) and multiple specialty engineering programs.  
 
In business, NMSU’s part-time MBA program made the rankings (123 tied), with additional recognition in finance and information systems.

University leaders say the recognition reflects the strength of NMSU’s academic programs, faculty and graduate student research.  
 
“The recognition of several graduate programs in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings is a testament to the curricular rigor, accomplishments and dedication of our faculty and graduate students, as well as our institutional commitment to their success,” said Ranjit Koodali, dean of the Graduate School and associate provost for interdisciplinary graduate studies.  
 
The rankings also highlight NMSU’s comprehensive student support and commitment to student success across graduate education.  
 
“We are honored to be recognized among the top graduate schools in the nation,” said Karen Kopera-Frye, associate dean of the Graduate School. “From recruitment and retention to student support services, our campus community is dedicated to fostering student success. Way to go, Aggies.”  
 
The U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs based on a variety of factors, including peer assessment, faculty resources, research activity and student outcomes. The rankings serve as a guide for prospective graduate students seeking programs that align with their academic and career goals. 
 
To view the full list of rankings, visit https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/new-mexico-state-university-188030/overall-rankings.